STEM Start
Why STEM Start?
STEM Start is a great new way for first-generation STEM students to transition successfully into the Clemson Experience.
College is an experience characterized by change and challenges. First-generation college students have a higher rate of dropping out after their first year than those who are not first-generation. A strong support system and solid academic foundation can make a difference in your success. Clemson University has developed a program to help ensure success for new STEM students who are the first in their family to attend college.
Who is STEM Start for?
STEM Start assists first-generation college students from South Carolina in reaching their career goals in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) majors.
STEM Start Eligibility
STEM Start is open to all admitted Summer Start and Fall Start students who are first-generation students (meaning that your parents have not earned a bachelor's degree) and majoring in one of the STEM fields. You also must be willing to commit to being present for the entire Summer experience. Family vacations, camps, dance competitions etc. will not be excused absences for this experience because the semester is so compressed. Missing a day is like missing a week of classes.
STEM Start Timeline
| Time Frame | Action |
|---|---|
| June 23 | Move into Summer Housing |
| June 24 and 25 | Ready, Set, Roar! |
| June 26 | Orientation to STEM Start and Peer Mentors |
| June 27 | First Day of Classes |
| July 4 | University Holiday |
| July 31 | Last Day of Classes |
| August 2 and 5 | Final Examinations |
| August 6 | Move out of Summer Housing assignment |
The STEM Start Experience
Academic Coursework
- One 3 hour Global Challenges course.
- One 2 hour course that teaches how to succeed inside and outside the classroom at Clemson.
- This course includes:
- A Math Seminar series which prepares you for Clemson’s calculus classes that are heavily focused on the use of logic and algebra.
- A Writing Seminar series to prepare you for writing lab reports, teach you how to do poster presentations and prepare you to speak about the technical work you are doing with a non-science audience.
- This course includes:
Cost - Free
This amazing summer opportunity is free for students!
The program covers:
- Summer tuition
- Summer housing
- An unlimited meal plan
- All STEM Start activities and enrichment opportunities
Costs for STEM Start Students:
- Any required textbooks.
- A personal laptop is needed for the first day of classes.
- Any other personal or essential items you need for the Summer term.
- A Clemson parking permit if bringing a vehicle to campus.
Students who are interested in STEM Start are encouraged to fill out the 2023-2024 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be eligible for Federal Pell Grant and/or Federal Direct Loan for the summer II semester. The preferred deadline is April 1, and students should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible, no later than June 30. Please note this is a different year’s FAFSA than required for your first academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) at Clemson. Clemson also uses the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Housing
Students for STEM Start will be living in Calhoun Courts during the Summer of 2024. STEM Start students are required to live on Clemson’s campus for this unique experience, even if you live close enough during the Fall and Spring terms to apply for a housing waiver and commute.
Remember, your on-campus housing for the Summer is paid by STEM Start and free to you!
Applying
If you are eligible for the STEM Start program, you will receive an official email invitation to the program from the University. Be sure to apply quickly because program space is limited. You can complete this form to indicate your interest in STEM Start. If you were unable to attend the STEM Start information sessions, please click here to access the recordings as well as the Power Point presentation that talks through the STEM Start and PWE programs for this summer.
Enrichment Opportunities
Professional Development Outings in Upstate, South Carolina
You will tour various companies and organizations that highlight an extensive list of STEM careers to help you start with the end in mind. Business tours include:
- BMW.
- Arthrex.
- Prisma Health in Greenville.
- Walhalla State Fish Hatchery.
- The Center for Human Genetics.
Workshops
Workshops will also be offered throughout the summer to help you understand yourself better through tools like Focus 2 and StrengthsFinder. There will be opportunities for career exploration through the many STEM majors that Clemson has to offer to ensure you start your academic experience starts off successfully. We will also help you to explore opportunities for future internships, co-ops and research experiences.
Etiquette Dinner
We will participate in an etiquette dinner to prepare you for occasions on campus and off where a formal dinner may be the setting.
Recreational Activities
There will be many activities and opportunities for engagement and building relationships throughout the summer, including:
- Attending a Greenville Drive game.
- Hiking at Table Rock Lake.
- Playing at Top Golf in Greenville.
- Enjoying a lake day on Lake Hartwell.
